Barrett Nelson Makes First Career Start for Wisconsin
The fifth-year senior guard played 53 snaps to help lead Wisconsin to a 24-7 victory over USC.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Football
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Fifth-year senior Barrett Nelson made his first career start at right guard in Wisconsin's 24-7 win against USC. The victory pushed the Badgers into the Associated Press top 25 rankings.
Why it matters
The team moved junior Stylz Blackmon to center to replace the injured Austin Kawecki, prompting coaches to call on Nelson to stabilize the offensive line. His return to the field marks a significant milestone following a series of major medical setbacks.
Barrett Nelson played 53 snaps during the 24-7 victory, a significant increase from his career total of just 23 snaps played prior to the game. The offense successfully executed two 75-yard touchdown drives and one 59-yard scoring possession.
The players
Barrett Nelson
He is a fifth-year senior offensive lineman for the University of Wisconsin who has battled multiple serious injuries throughout his tenure.
Eric Mateos
He serves as the coach for the University of Wisconsin who made the decision to start Nelson at right guard.
Stylz Blackmon
He is a junior at the University of Wisconsin who transitioned from right guard to center to cover for an injured teammate.
Austin Kawecki
He is a University of Wisconsin offensive lineman whose injury necessitated a shuffle of the team's starting lineup.
The details
Coach Eric Mateos instructed Nelson to start the night before the game following a lineup shuffle. The veteran lineman has previously overcome a torn patellar tendon, back surgery, and multiple meniscus repairs during his collegiate career.
Timeline
Barrett Nelson served as a backup at left tackle in 2022.
The lineman tore his patellar tendon in winter 2025.
Nelson underwent back surgery in spring 2026.
The player made his first career start on October 24, 2026.
Wisconsin plays at Iowa on October 31, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Entering the Associated Press top 25 rankings provides the Badgers with critical momentum as they enter the final stretch of the season. The team must now adjust its offensive depth chart to maintain this success despite ongoing personnel uncertainty.
Nelson is currently listed as doubtful for the upcoming game against Iowa, which may force the coaching staff to rotate the offensive line once more. Fans should monitor the injury report closely as lineup changes significantly impact the team's ability to maintain their current scoring pace.
The takeaway
Nelson's path from a backup role and repeated surgeries to a starting position highlights the physical resilience required for collegiate athletes. His availability will be a key factor for the team as they look to build on their momentum against conference rivals.
What happens next
Wisconsin is scheduled to play a game at Iowa on October 31, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's performance this season, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Journal Sentinel.
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